An "obsessed" stalker repeatedly rammed his girlfriend's car until it spun off the road and crashed into a traffic light.

The terrified victim, 17, called the police as Shaun Dale Allan's Vauxhall Astra kept shunting into the back of her Corsa as she drove home from work at night.

The shaken-up teenager suffered a cut palm on her hand in the crash, which happened at the end of the 20-minute pursuit.

Allan (30) also sent her a barrage of text messages and kept turning up at the pub where she worked, for several weeks after they split up.

He admitted stalking his ex-girlfriend, between June 8 and July 3 this year.

Leicester Crown Court was told Alan, formerly of Kirk Lodge hostel, London Road, Stoneygate, Leicester, has previous convictions for harassing and assaulting two other former partners.

He was jailed for 15 months and banned from driving for two years.

Allan also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on roads between Snarestone and Ibstock, in North West Leicestershire, on June 21.

Tony Stanford, prosecuting, said the defendant began a relationship with the victim in 2012, when she was 16.

"They moved in together quite quickly, but the relationship broke down in its second year and she moved back to her parents," he said.

"He bombarded her with messages, including saying he couldn't live without her and was going to kill himself.

"He'd text her 20 to 30 times a day and attend her workplace, interrupting her work.

"The defendant also went to her home address and when her father wouldn't let him in, he damaged the father's car."

On the night of the crash, the teenager had left work at about midnight and as she drove home, saw headlights behind her.

After dropping a friend off in Swepstone village, she continued her journey.

At a junction, Allan pulled alongside and asked to speak to her, but she drove off.

"He followed her so closely she couldn't see his headlights in her rear mirror," said Mr Stanford.

"He'd drop back and accelerate close to the back of her vehicle, and at one point under-took, causing her to swerve all over the place, as he flashed his lights and pipped his horn."

The victim later told the police: "On Leicester Road, I felt him collide with the rear offside of my car.

"I was scared and decided to call the police while I carried on driving."

Mr Stanford said: "During this part of the journey he bumped into her four times."

In Penistone Street, Ibstock, he caused her to spin out of control and crash into a traffic light.

The teenager continued to talk over the phone to the police, and Allan left the scene.

Sentencing him, Judge Robert Brown told him: "Your record is worrying, featuring two convictions showing similarities in your behaviour towards ex-partners to try and dominate and control them."

Olwen Davies, mitigating, said Allan was "obsessed" by the teenager and "couldn't comprehend why she ended the relationship".

"He pursued her by car to stop her because he wanted to talk to her," she added.

"He's had negative experiences of relationships where people have been unfaithful in the past."

Mr Stanford then told the judge: "The complainant says his attitude towards her, and other women, was demonstrated by his regularly being unfaithful to her; bringing other women back to the house.

"It gives some insight into how he treats women."

Miss Davies said Allan now had a new girlfriend.

Judge Brown imposed an indefinite restraining order banning Allan from having any future contact with the victim.

A two-storey terrace house in Loughborough caught fire this morning.

Firefighters received a call at 5.30am.

The blaze happened on the second floor of the house. Nobody was trapped in the fire, and nobody was injured in the incident.

The blaze was fully extinguished within about two hours.

Police forensics officers were at the scene in Cumberland Road, this morning, examining the house.

The cause is believed to be accidental due to overheating of timber. The house has moderate fire damage, said the fire service.

X Factor contestant Lola Saunders wowed the judges on last night's show - with Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell agreeing that she could be the "dark horse" of the competition.

The 20-year-old fishmonger, whose family lives in Leicestershire, sang Imagine by John Lennon which was praised by all four X-factor judges.

After Lola's performance, judge Louis Walsh said: "Lola, after that performance you are definitely the dark horse of this competition. No more selling fish - let's sell some records."

Spice Girl and X Factor judge Mel B said: "You have gone from being a fishmonger to a legend. You look gorgeous and your delivery and vocals were on point."

Simon Cowell added: "Lola, you are getting better and better. I still think this is 80 per cent of what you are capable of.

"I think what the guys said is right, you could be a dark horse in this competition."

Lola was initially booted off the show by mentor Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (formerly Cole) during the stage at the judges' houses, but was brought back as a wildcard for the girls' category on last Saturday's show.

After her performance last night Cheryl said Lola sang like an angel.

In response to the fantastic comments, Lola told presenter Dermot O'Leary: "I am so grateful. I really appreciate it."

Lola, who is the daughter of former Newcastle United footballer Wesley Saunders, lives with her dad, mum Tina and younger brother Harris in East Boldon, South Tyneside.

Mum Tina was born in the Midlands but moved up north after meeting Wesley.

Some of Lola's family, including her aunty, Bernadette Holmes, and grandmother, Susan Jones, still live in Leicestershire.

Tonight, Lola faces elimination from the competition as in this evening's show two contestants will be voted off.

Watch Lola's performance here: 

A pensioner has been given a suspended jail sentence for a £12,000 benefits fraud.

Keith Brewer (69), of Curzon Avenue, Ibstock, was overpaid £10,074.26 in housing benefit and £2,039.89 in council tax benefit.

He pleaded guilty on October 3 at Leicester Magistrates' Court to two counts of fraud after lying to council officers about his pension arrangements.

He was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, plus 150 hours of unpaid work.

Prosecutor Dave Gill, on behalf of North West Leicestershire District Council, said Brewer claimed housing benefit and council tax benefit from February 2009.

He said that on his original claim form, Brewer stated that he had just one small occupational pension of £13 a month.

At numerous points since 2009, Brewer had lied to council officers about his pension income, the court heard.

Brewer reached retirement age in July 2010 and his jobseeker's allowance claim ended.

He was interviewed by council officers and he said his only income was a state pension and that he only had one bank account.

A data match carried out on June 2013 revealed that Brewer was actually in receipt of two pensions from car giants BMW – one at £450 per month and one at £60 per month.

When Brewer was interviewed under caution in April, he provided evidence of an undeclared bank account, where the payments for the two previously undeclared pensions were being made.

In addition to a suspended prison sentence and unpaid work, Brewer was ordered to pay £984 in costs plus a £80 victim surcharge.

After the case, councillor Nick Rushton, corporate portfolio holder at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "I cannot stress enough how important it is to declare all income, so that benefits can be assessed properly.

"Our benefits officers are there to help, and are very good at advising on the best way forward, but we expect honesty in return.

"This case proves that we take benefit fraud very seriously, and will pursue those who are dishonest."

For advice, visit: www.nwleics.gov.uk/benefits

Managers of a hospital transport service have apologised to a woman left waiting over four hours for a lift home from an appointment.

Stephanie Spiby, of Saffron Lane, Leicester, sat in a wheelchair in reception at Glenfield Hospital from 10.45am on September 25 and finally got home at 3.45pm.

She tried to complain to Arriva Transport Solutions but said no-one had contacted her.

The 65-year-old said: "No-one came out to see if I was all right while I was waiting and one security guard even joked he would have to move me on for loitering if I was there for much longer.

"I tried to ring Arriva and left my name and number but no-one bothered to get back to me."

Ms Spiby said she experienced another delay on Thursday, when she waited from 10.45am until 1pm to get home from Glenfield.

Arriva has been under fire for poor performance since it was awarded a five-year, £26 million contract for patient transport services in July 2012.

After the Leicester Mercury contacted the company about Mrs Spiby's experience, she received a call apologising for the delay.

She said: "An apology is all I wanted."

Tony Athersmith, head of service for Arriva in the East Midlands, said: "I am sorry to hear about the delay experienced by Mrs Spiby and apologise for any stress or inconvenience this has caused.

"The hospital notified us Mrs Spiby was ready to be collected at 12.54pm on September 25.

"We aim to collect patients within one hour and, unfortunately, on this occasion were unable to do so.

"We are working closely with our NHS partners to ensure the timeliness of our service improves.

"Our performance has significantly improved during the past few months and we are committed to delivering further improvements."

Latest available figures show that in August 73 per cent of patients were collected from their appointments within one hour.

Although the target is for 90 per cent of patients to be collected within this time, it was up on the 56 per cent figure in June.

Mr Athersmith said: "While we acknowledge we are not reaching the targets set in all areas, there has been a steady improvement in the service we provide for our patients.

"For example, patient arrival times have improved by 26 per cent since the start of the contract and in the past few months have increased from 74 per cent in July to 80 per cent in September.

"There are still improvements to be made and we are committed to achieving these.

Robin Wintle, associate director of contracts with East Leicestershire and Rutland clinical commissioning group, which monitors the contract, said: "We are sorry to hear of the problems this patient has experienced and we continue to work closely with Arriva to investigate all incidents and ensure they are resolved and lessons are learned."

A 14-year-old boy has released a debut album of music made in his bedroom on a computer.

Eleven-track Always for You was created by Finn Bhandari, of Loughborough, and issued under the name Empty Child.

Finn, who goes to De Lisle College, in Loughborough, said: "It's really exciting.

"I didn't realise I would be able to do this when I started messing around on the computer.

"I found a music programme and started messing around with that about two years ago.

"I have been developing skills, using software and creating music.

"It's all made electronically. The software allows me to make any sound I want to."

Finn has been publishing for the past couple of years on SoundCloud, a platform where people can upload, record, promote and share music.

His work has attracted the attention of professional musicians such as the band Astronauts and duo Lemon Jelly.

Finn, who started working on the album six months ago, said he got his interest in music from his dad, Rory.

"My dad listens to a variety of music and that was presented to me at a very early age," he said.

"I am really into music like Radiohead and Pink Floyd."

Always for You has received five-star reviews on iTunes.

Finn said: "On one of the tracks, Epiphany, I collaborated with a good friend called Joshua.

"He read poetry on that track and I am really proud of how it turned out."

Joshua, 17, said he felt privileged to appear on the album and that Finn's hard work deserved success.

Dad Rory said he thought it was amazing his son's music was available for the public to buy.

"It's great," he said. "It's a reward for the amount of time he puts in."

For more information, visit Finn's soundcloud here

Listen to Afterword by Empty Child:

A drunken husband who struck his wife in a shop received instant punishment when an incensed pal knocked him out, breaking his cheekbone.

The husband was floored with a punch and then kicked on his body to "teach him a lesson" outside the store in Welford Road, in the city, on January 21.

The assailant, Tomaz Chojnacki, 28, told a police officer, who saw the attack, that the man on the ground "has just hit a woman."

The man's wife also told the officer that her husband had hit her in the store, where CCTV footage showed her falling over with the impact of her husband's forceful slap during an argument.

Chojnacki, of no fixed address, was known to the couple and had been drinking with them earlier.

All three were the worse for drink, said Victoria Rose, prosecuting, at Leicester Crown Court.

She said the victim suffered a fractured cheekbone near his eye socket, a two-inch cut, bruising and swelling to his face and back.

Miss Rose said: "It was done to teach him a lesson for striking a woman.

"The defendant was so outraged by what he had seen."

Chojnacki admitted causing actual bodily harm.

He was given an 18-month community order, with supervision.

Judge Robert Brown said: "You can't take the law into your own hands and assault someone, even if you disagree with what they did.

"Although he was clearly wrong in assaulting his wife, it doesn't justify your violence towards him.

"I take into account your lack of previous convictions for any offences of violence and the fact you're engaging positively with those who are trying to help you in terms of accommodation issues and alcohol dependence.

"The constructive approach is with a community order."

Jacqui Callan, mitigating, said Chojnacki has since left the area and is staying at a friend's house.

She said: "He told me 'I know what I did was wrong but I couldn't allow this man to do that.'

"He accepts he went over the top."

The court was told that the husband had been charged with – and admitted – battery of his wife.

In a recent city magistrates' hearing, he was also sentenced to a community order, with a drug rehabilitation requirement.

Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said Manu Tuilagi could miss England's opening autumn internationals.

Tuilagi went off injured in the 16th minute of Tigers' Champions Cup win against Ulster at Welford Road on Saturday night.

The centre left the game with a recurrence of the groin injury that kept him out of three weeks' of action before the Harlequins game.

Cockerill said the 23-year-old could be looking at a similar-sized lay-off and that would rule him out of next week's game and, perhaps, England's opening autumn internationals.

Cockerill, meanwhilem praised his side's best rugby of the season as Tigers got their Champions Cup campaign off to a winning start.

Saturday night's 25-18 win over an Ulster side that beat Tigers twice last year was the club's second win on the bounce.

A 15-minute spell in the first half saw them run in three tries through Owen Williams, Graham Kitchener and Freddie Burns and had Cockerill purring.

"We will take the win, we needed to get off to a good start and it was a cracking contest," he said.

"There's a long way to go. Let's not get too excited.

"But I felt our attitude was great and the first half was the best we have played."

Leicestershire's high proportion of small firms, manufacturers and logistics companies means it is well placed to reap the rewards of the continuing economic upturn, the boss of the UK's biggest business group has said.

John Cridland, CBI director-general, who was speaking in Leicester, said the scale of the three industries will serve the area well amid concerns of a slowdown.

The county is renowned for its thriving SME sector, boasts world-class manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Triumph and Walkers crisps and contains a high percentage of distribution parks, including Europe's largest.

In August, a report by the Royal Bank of Scotland said the East Midlands was the fastest-growing economy in England, while Leicestershire was the 12th fastest-growing out of 99 local areas.

However, there are worries problems in the United States and eurozone economies, as well as mounting instability in the Middle-East, could impact on future growth.

Mr Cridland said: "This recovery has seen on small and medium-sized enterprises boosting confidence and trading with each other.

"The East Midlands has a track record for small and medium-sized enterprises, unlike any other region, which is why we are doing so well.

"I think we are on the cusp of a manufacturing renaissance. This region has some fantastic manufacturers. That's why the East Midlands stands out.

"Also, when you get a recovery we are getting it's massively powerful for the logistics sector, which is this region's par excellence."

Mr Cridland was speaking just before last Thursday's CBI East Midlands Annual Dinner at Athena, Leicester, which was attended by about 330 business leaders.

In a keynote speech, Mr Cridland gave an insightful analysis of the current thinking on the economy by the major political parties ahead of May's General Election.

In an interview with the Mercury, he said despite their hard work attracting young people into the industry, the region's manufacturers need help to retain and attract older, more experienced workers. He also wants to see more of them break into the burgeoning Chinese, Mexican and Indonesian markets.

"Manufacturers are particularly suffering from a shortage of engineering skills," he said. "Apprenticeships are picking up. But there's a big gap between someone who is 18 and someone who has been there for a number of years. I'm much more worried about the craft and technician level engineers.

"We have also middle-classes in China, Mexico and Indonesia who for the first time have serious money to spend. The East Midlands has huge expertise in British-made consumer products."

The CBI director-general, who has held the role since 2010, said he was concerned about the questions over the UK's membership of the European Union.

"We estimate that being in the EU is worth £3,000 for each East Midlands family per year," he said. "That's a real important part of our living standards. We would be better in a reformed EU."

Mr Cridland also said the issue of businesses suffering from a lack of finance was not as simple as just getting banks to lend more.

"I think the particular problem is not so much lending, but patient lending," he said. "There are these companies that are growing expediently where there is a shortage of patient capital that could be debt or equity. This is money that will stick with them for five years through ups and downs."

Such long-term thinking is certainly not the image projected by TV show The Apprentice, which has just begun its 10th series. It is an image of business Mr Cridland is not happy with.

"I accept the notion that in doing an apprenticeship you need to prove yourself, be gusty and need to go that extra mile," he said. "But I don't recognise a business environment that is so ruthlessly competitive and the idea of warfare in business. The modern workplace is more collaborative and more feminine and pools its skills together."

Business leaders will be hoping firms in Leicestershire and the East Midlands will be working together to keep its place at the forefront of the country's economic growth.

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It was the second consecutive year the CBI East Midlands Annual Dinner was held in Leicester.

The showpiece event was took place in the city in 2013 for the first time in at least 15 years.

However, the business group, whose regional HQ is in Nottingham, says it is unlikely to be held in the city again next year.

The dinner, which was also held at Athena for the second year in a row, was attended by about 330 business leaders.

Guests included senior executives of the some of the region's biggest companies, including BT, British Gas, Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Jaguar-Land Rover and JCB.

Ian Borley, senior partner at KPMG in Leicester, who attended both dinners, said: "A lot of senior business executives were there who would not necessarily be regular visitors to Leicester. The chance to showcase the city in this way can only be good for the area.

"The past two years has been good because the CBI in the East Midlands may have seen to be Nottingham-centric. So by holding it in Leicester they have opened up the organisation more to Leicester people."

The CBI has more than 200 members in the East Midlands, including more than 75 in Leicester and Leicestershire.

Sarah Wood, CBI assistant regional director, said: "It's been really good to have it in Leicester. Because we represent the whole region, we need to look at moving it to a different part of the region next year."

BBC Middle-East editor Jeremy Bowen was this year's guest speaker.

Mobile speed cameras will be in the following locations in Leicester and Leicestershire this week:

Leicester misses out on Curry Capital of Britain award.

After six months of voting, Bradford has been crowned the Curry Capital of Britain.

Chosen by thirteen judges, the awards, which are sponsored by hungryhouse.com, saw Brighton come in second place and Birmingham in third.

This means that Bradford have taken the title an amazing record breaking four years in a row.

The results come just days after the head chef at Flamingo Bar and Grill, in Loughborough Road was crowned winner of the Midlands' Chef of the Year in the English Curry Awards. At the same awards, Curry Fever, based in Belgrave Road, Leicester and Chutney's Indian takeaway, in Aylestone Road, also won gold.

Do you think Bradford deserved the award? Or do you think Leicester should be named Curry Capital of Britain? Let us know by tweeting: @Leicester_Merc or commenting on this story.

A man who was given one hour to live is fund-raising for Leicester's hospitals after a last-minute treatment saved his life.

Johnny Normal's life was hanging in the balance when he underwent Ecmo treatment at Glenfield Hospital.

It happened after the was rushed into hospital with pneumonia, kidney and liver failure earlier this year.

Johnny said if it were not for Ecmo, which oxygenates a patient's blood so their lungs can recover, he would not be here today.

"I lived to tell the tale and I want to raise money to make sure other people can too," said Johnny, 47, who lives in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

"Me and my family are so grateful for what the Ecmo team did."

The father-of-two first noticed he was ill when he came down with a temperature, which he put down to flu.

A week later, he was taken by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Birmingham. There, he was diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, and liver and kidney failure.

"Doctors told my wife, Andrea, that I wasn't going to make the next hour," said part-time radio DJ Johnny.

"They told her to be prepared, and bring my two children in to say goodbye."

Johnny's condition worsened and he said he went "downhill very quickly".

"The doctors said they had tried everything they could," he said.

Then, said Johnny, one of the consultants contacted Glenfield about him having Ecmo treatment.

He said: "All of my organs were gradually shutting down, it was my last hope."

Johnny was able to go to Glenfield for Ecmo. He was put in an induced coma, which made having the treatment possible, and was transported to Leicester.

It failed to work the first time, but doctors decided to give it a second go.

"They could have given up on me," said Johnny.

"It's an expensive treatment, they could have decided not to try again, but they didn't."

After around a week, doctors decided to take Johnny – who was still in an induced coma - off the treatment.

A few days later, he began to wake up.

"My eyes opened after nine days of being in a coma," he said.

"I remember my wife saying to me, 'if you can hear me, squeeze my hand', so I squeezed her hand – I remember that so vividly."

Just when Johnny thought he was making progress, he suffered another major setback.

"I had an allergic reaction to the drugs that were being given to me and I ended up having two cardiac arrests," he said.

"Later, doctors found out I had had a stroke at the same time too."

At the end of May, Johnny was transferred to Royal Leamington Spa Rehabilitation Hospital, where he was put in intensive care.

Due to not being able to keep food down, Johnny had lost four stone since he first went into hospital.

He had to learn how to move again, including how to reach out, stand up and even sit up.

At the end of August, Johnny was discharged from hospital.

He still struggles to walk and currently uses a walking stick.

"I walk short distances but anything longer I need to use a wheelchair," he said.

"Even unloading a dishwasher gets me out of breath.

"But I am getting better."

Following his experience, Johnny has decided he wants to help raise money for Leicester hospitals and more specifically the Ecmo department.

"At the end of the day, if I hadn't have had the Ecmo treatment I would have died.

"Some people say I'm the unluckiest man alive but I think I'm the luckiest. I'm still here today.

"They saved my life."

Johnny is currently asking people to pledge money but he said as soon as he is able to, he will do more physically to fundraise.

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/johnny-normal

Drivers faced major delays after a section of the M1 in Leicestershire was closed after a two-car crash.

The motorway was closed between junction 20 at Lutterworth and 18 at Rugby after the crash, at about 10.30am, which saw two people trapped in their cars.

Police said the motorway was closed to allow the release of the casualties from the cars.

The two drivers were taken by ambulance to Northampton General Hospital.

A police spokeswoman said it is not thought that either of the casualties was seriously hurt.

The motorway was re-opened at 12.45pm.

Traffic backed up along the M6 and A14 as it affected drivers trying to use the Catthorpe Interchange.

A Leicester motorist has denied causing the death of a Skegness pensioner by dangerous driving following a collision on the A52.

Jean Holland, 77, of Firbeck Avenue in the seaside town, died following a crash on Wednesday, December 4, last year.

Ms Holland was a passenger in a car that was in a collision with a second car, being driven by 68-year-old David McWilliam.

McWilliam, of Gallards Hill, Braunstone, Leicester, entered a not guilty plea to a charge of causing death by dangerous driving when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court today.

He will go on trial at Lincoln Crown Court on 16 February next year. The trial is expected to last a week.

Judge Michael Heath adjourned the case for trial and granted McWilliam unconditional bail until his next court appearance.

The crash happened between Wrangle and Holland Lane End.

Police were forced to close the A52 near Wrangle following the collision at around 10.22am. The crash left one vehicle in a ditch and the other on its roof.

An air ambulance and emergency services attended the scene.

Tara Smith has styled the hair of stars including Demi Moore, Natalie Imbruglia and Marisa Tomei, and worked at awards ceremonies including the Oscars, Baftas, and Golden Globes. She also has her own award-winning vegan haircare range.

FIRST MEMORY: I don't know if it's my first, but a very vivid memory is from when I was about six, and we'd just moved house from Wigston Road to a little estate in Oadby. I'd been bought a little, light blue suitcase, and I can remember it so vividly. I think me and my brother had a squabble and I was like: "That's it, I'm leaving.'' I packed my little suitcase and walked out the house and right to the stop of the street. Just as I was about to walk into the next road, my mum shouted: "If you go, the bogey man's going to get you.'' I ran all the way back.

FIRST ALBUM: It was the Nolans, I loved the Nolans. Or maybe Bucks Fizz. One of the two. I knew all the dance moves, used to have a little record player and microphone and I'd sing along, even though I couldn't sing.

FIRST GIG: I think it was probably Wham! at De Montfort Hall. I'll always remember seeing Andrew Ridgeley on stage. I wasn't into George so much, but I fancied the pants off Andrew Ridgeley. I was just like, "Oh my God, this is amazing''. I think I went with my best friend, Jane, who's still lives in Leicester and is still one of my best friends.

FIRST SCHOOL: I went to The Laurels, a private school near Victoria Park. It doesn't exist any more. I remember it being great, but also quite strict.

FIRST JOB: I had a few different jobs when I was young. I used to rotate. My mum used to have her own salon but then she sold it and worked at Tates, in Stoneygate. I used to do shampooing and sweeping up hair. Around the same time, I used to work on Leicester Market, selling fruit and veg. I used to earn £10 a day and I had to get up at about 4am. I did enjoy it, though. It was kind of an accomplishment to sell all the fruit and veg.

I also used to work for a furniture and china shop – Duttons, on Allendale Road. I learnt how to gift-wrap properly, and I loved it, learning how to do the bows and everything.

One time, I accidentally unwrapped this china bird too fast and it ended up in small pieces on the floor. I was mortified but luckily they were insured. It was worth quite a lot.

FIRST CAR: A Peugot 205. I love cars, I'm a big car fan and was very fortunate to be bought my first car by my dad when I was 18. I had it until someone tried to steal it and blew it up, when I was about 24.

That taught me to never leave anything valuable in the car, because it had all my make-up in the boot.

FIRST CUT: That was when I was training at a school in Nottinghamshire. I had a model. My teacher used to say we should always stand balanced on both feet, because slouching could lead to hip or back problems or whatever.

Also, hairdressing is about geometry and angles, so slouching is bad. I was a bit slouched for that first haircut and he whacked me on the back of my knee and said: "That'll teach you.''

Although at the time I thought he was mean, in hindsight it's one of the best things I've learnt. I can stand for hours on my feet and I've had to for some jobs.

Sometimes I've been on movie sets for 14 or 15 hours a day.

FIRST BIG HAIRDRESSING JOB: The Three Musketeers, and I went to Vienna to do the hair. Kiefer Sutherland, who starred in it, is now an investor in my hair-care company.

FIRST PLACE OF MY OWN: The first house I bought was in Regent Street, Oadby, a little terraced house for £25,000. I think I was about 23. I had it for about two years and sold it. I now have an apartment near Regent's Canal, in King's Cross.

FIRST LOVE: I went out with a boy called Jason Cook when I was about 14 or 15 and we were together for a couple of years, I think. I'd love to know where he is now.

FIRST HOLIDAY: Well, we went to Tenerife when I was about 18 months old, but I don't remember it. My mum said all I did was eat bread rolls. The first holiday I remember was in Sheringham, where my grandparents had a caravan. I loved going crab fishing and eating ice creams with big Flakes.

http://tarasmith.com

Loose Women presenters wept through today's show following the death of actress Lynda Bellingham, who sadly lost her battle with cancer yesterday.

The 66-year-old, who regularly appeared on the ITV show, died in her husband's arms yesterday.

Loose woman, Coleen Nolan had to be comforted by fellow panelists as she fought back the tears.

She said: 'We miss her already, so much. It's so hard not to be sad. But I can feel her behind me willing me on, saying: 'Get on with it, don't be sad'."

Colleen tweeted this morning: "Sleep warm, sleep well my friend, give Bernie a hug from me" - referring to her sister Bernie, who lost her three year battle with cancer last year.

#LindaBellingham Sleep warm, sleep well my friend, give Bernie a hug from me.��

— Coleen Nolan (@NolanColeen) October 20, 2014

Lynda, who was best known for her long-running role as a mother in the Oxo TV adverts, had been battling colon cancer, which later spread to her lungs and liver, since being diagnosed in July last year.

The actress revealed earlier this year that she had decided to end her treatment to limit the amount of suffering her family would have to witness.

Her death comes days before a specially filmed episode of Loose Women was due to be shown.

Upon the request of the Bellingham family, the episode will still air at 12.30pm, on Wednesday.

At the request of @lyndabellingham's family we'll be playing out her final interview on Wed at 12.30pm @ITV as planned #RIPLyndaBellingham

— Loose Women (@loosewomen) October 20, 2014

Other Loose Women have also taken to Twitter throughout the day to pay tribute to the much-loved actress:

#RIPLyndaBellingham one of the best colleagues and friends we could have wished for. LW will never be the same again. pic.twitter.com/fuQu39aNpQ

— Loose Women (@loosewomen) October 20, 2014

I loved my friend Lynda. I will miss her so much. xx

— Denise Welch (@RealDeniseWelch) October 20, 2014

Rest in peace Bellers x

— Carol Vorderman (@carolvorders) October 20, 2014

Rest in peace my darling friend Lynda. Thanks for all your guidance and inspiration. I love you and always will Xxx

— Jane McDonald (@TheJaneMcDonald) October 20, 2014

Heartbroken to hear the sad news of Lynda Bellingham's passing. She was a wonderful woman who squeezed every last drop out of life.

— Andrea McLean (@andrea_mclean) October 20, 2014

People are being warned to prepare for strong winds and flooding as the remains of Hurricane Gonzalo arrive tonight.

Mercury weatherman Dave Mutton said it was time to "batten down the hatches" as winds of about 50mph sweep across Leicestershire.

He said: "It won't mean hurricane force winds but it will be a severe storm with trees coming down and tiles coming off roofs.

"With all the fallen leaves blocking drains at this time of year it's also going to cause some flooding and I expect between half an inch and an inch of rain between this evening and midday on Tuesday."

The winds will be much stronger than last week's highest gusts.

Dave said: "It was windy last week but the maximum speed I measured was 36mph, so it will be a lot stronger than that.

"It's probably going to cause a lot of problems."

The Met Office has issued warnings for the UK ahead of the approaching former hurricane, which caused widespread damage and a power blackout when it hit Bermuda last week.

It said there was a danger of delays tomorrow morning with some of the strongest winds coinciding with the morning rush hour.

However, Northern Ireland, northern England, northern Wales, and parts of Scotland are expected to be the worst affected.

A Met Office spokesman said: "The remains of Hurricane Gonzalo will run eastwards across the Atlantic, reaching the UK on Monday night, bringing a period of strong winds and heavy rain to the UK.

"The strongest winds are expected on Tuesday as the low pressure clears eastwards."

In the longer term, Dave said he expected weather to return to average October conditions once the storm had passed.

He said: "It's been a bit warmer than average in the last couple of weeks but today the temperature is about 14C (57F), which is about average for this time of year.

After the storm it should return to normal and there are no signs of wintry weather on the horizon yet."

A new park where the urban sport of parkour can be enjoyed opened last weekend.

Charnwood Borough Council worked with local teens to design the bespoke area, which opened at Southfields Park, Loughborough, on Saturday.

Parkour involves manoeuvring across obstacles such as rails, walls and pipes with the aim of getting from point A to B in the straightest, fastest and most efficient way.

There are QR codes on the new equipment which people can scan with their mobile phone to be shown a video demonstrating how the park can be used.

Charnwood Borough Council neighbourhood development officer Ashley Russell said the launch was a success, with about 120 people there to see the opening.

"There was a real buzz and a huge age range of people there," said Ashley.

"There were people from eight- to nine-year-olds, right through to people in their 30s.

"I am sure it will get some really good use."

Coaches were on hand on Saturday to show people how to use the equipment.

Mayor of Charnwood Councillor Paul Day officially opened the park.

Councillor David Snartt, Charnwood Borough Council's cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: "I would once again like to thank the youngsters who helped us to create this space.

"We already have a small parkour community within the borough and we hope this new facility will introduce the sport to even more people."

Councillor Hilary Fryer, cabinet member for cleansing and open spaces, said: "The park now has a number of obstacles and has been designed to be suitable for beginners and experienced parkour enthusiasts."

The new park has been funded by £42,000 of Section 106 money. Such cash is given by developers to councils to help build more things for residents in areas where they are building new houses, supermarkets and so on. 

Here are two videos of people enjoying parkour at the new site in Loughborough:

All aboard the Halloween hype!

Every day this week, we are putting together lists of potential fancy dress ideas, party ideas, scary recipes to ensure you have the spookiest of Halloweens this year.

Today, we're talking: Fancy dress. Below are our favourite 10 ideas for fancy dress, whatever age you are:

1. Vampire

2. Ghost

3. Witch

4. Corpse Bride

5. Scary doll

6. Spooky clown

7. Pumpkin

8. Zombie cheerleader

9. Skeleton

10. Devil

Halloween falls next Friday, on October 31.

Are you having a Halloween party? What are you dressing up as? Send us photos of your favourite Halloween costumes and the best will go on our website. Twitter: @Leicester_Merc or e-mail: newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Deputy Business Editor Tom Pegden speaks to an entrepreneur whose Funky Tents are a feature at many of the region's biggest arts and cultural events

Brian Jordan is the definition of a self-made man. The 51-year-old left school at 15 to go into the family farming business before realising there was more to life than labouring.

So he went on to launch businesses ranging from recruitment to skiing holidays. At the age of 40, he sold up and decided to put his feet up. Within a fortnight, he was back in business, taking a controlling stake in Funky Tents.

In four years, he had turned it into a national business with dozens of staff on the books. The stand-out feature of the business – which has its headquarters in Tugby, a few miles east of Leicester – is the unique design of the tents. Sharp points and angles differentiate them from traditional box-shaped marquees.

Brian said: "The business started as a company called Marquees by Stuart Low seven years ago.

"I had run a recruitment company called the Work Partnership, and sold that around eight or nine years ago.

"I had other business interests and set up another recruitment company in Market Harborough called Onsite Partnership, providing temporary and permanent staff to people like Tesco.

"Within three years, we were the biggest of our kind in Europe, turning over £10 million.

"I sold that company and decided to take a break, but two weeks later I was contacted by Stuart Low and invited to look at his business.

"I bought a majority share just over three years ago. It was a relatively small investment in a small business. Stuart – who is still heavily involved – wanted my expertise."

Stuart had been doing small parties and weddings with his quirky shaped tents and Brian saw the opportunity of creating a strong brand. They changed the name to Funky Tents and invested in more marquees as the business became established, doing everything from festivals and events at stately homes to corporate days. They also moved into providing added services such as event flooring, furniture, lighting and catering.

Brian said the business has expanded from six to 50 staff, and now caters for small birthday parties to guest lists of 3,500 people.

Clients range from the McLaren F1 team to Oakham School.

Brian said: "We've done everything from private garden parties for 10 people to weddings for 400, events for the Time Team TV show, things with Lewis Hamilton, and even parties for a certain footballer and his fashion designer wife.

"We do structures for the Leicester Tigers, Market Harborough Rugby Club, and we've got procurement contracts with Leicester City Council and Rutland County Council."

Local events include the city's Riverside Festival and St George's Day festivities and the Simon Says pop festival at De Montfort Hall. They have also done Lubstock and Glastonbudget.

Brian said: "People who use us are looking for a one-stop shop – something unique. We don't compete with the big marquee providers because we are so different."

When Brian came on board, it was very much a one-man outfit and turnover was around £30,000 a year. He said he had invested around £300,000 since then, and the tents range in cost from £600 to £150,000 for one which came from Canada.

Brian has now moved on to the next stage of the company's development – selling regional franchises in the business. Franchisees provide the manpower, while the team in Tugby provide the professional support. Since June, he said there had been more than 124 approaches.

"We've only just launched it but already have an area running in East London and have just accepted one for the South West of England," said Brian.

"We have six event planners which is increasing to take account of the franchise network.

"Offering franchises allows us to grow our brand that much quicker – just like McDonald's or Ikea.

"We know there's a desire and we're going through the applications to find the most suitable candidates.

"It's not about just putting faces into spaces but making sure they mirror the ethics of the brand and can work with us in partnership."

Franchisees pay £15,000 and are expected to invest £25,000 within the first year in enough equipment to host at least two simultaneous events. Brian's side of the partnership collects a percentage of takings and supports the franchisees and their customers with their planning.

He said: "It appeals to people who want to spend their time marketing and not have to worry about enquiries.

"They also have the option after a year to reduce that service and cut the percentage they pay."

The plan is to sell four franchises by next June, then sell five a year for the next four years.

Brian said: "Eventually we want to cover the whole of the UK.

"We've already provided structures to northern Europe, so there's no reason we can't move there, too."